IGF 2024 WS #25 Multistakeholder cooperation for online child protection

Online child protection has emerged as a growing concern for policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and civil society. In the age of artificial intelligence, children face increasingly sophisticated risks in the digital world. A workshop addressing these challenges was held in a hybrid format – combining online and in-person participation – on Tuesday, 17 December 2024, during the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 19^th Annual Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The session began with a survey exploring expectations regarding the evolving threat landscape for children in the digital sphere over the next three to four years. It revealed mixed perspectives: while 17 % of respondents anticipated a worsening situation marked by increased abuse and cybercrime, one third expressed optimism that children’s awareness and understanding of cybersecurity would also improve. Another third believed that enhanced digital skills and more robust defense mechanisms would empower children to navigate the online world more securely.

Professor Melodena Stephens, Professor of Innovation & Technology Governance, Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government, Dubai, UAE, shed light on the numerous online threats facing children today. She emphasized the significant risks posed by the extensive data collection in areas such as online gaming and education – an often-overlooked danger with far-reaching consequences. These risks are further amplified by unsupervised online activities, leaving many parents unaware of what their children encounter in the digital world. Professor Stephens also highlighted the grave issue of cyberbullying, which can inflict deep emotional harm on children.

Elizaveta Belyakova, Director, Alliance for the Protection of Children in the Digital Environment, Russian Federation, elaborated on the challenges driving the formation of the alliance, shedding light on the motivations behind its establishment and the strategies it employs to address these issues. The alliance operates through a multifaceted approach, including educational programs, interactive workshops, and collaborative roundtables.

Elmehdi Erroussafi, Board Member, Moroccan Centre for Polytechnic Research and Innovation (CMRPI), and Representative, Espace Maroc Cyberconfiance, emphasized the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to addressing online challenges. He identified two key issues: the rapid pace of technological evolution and the potential misuse of these advancements. These developments present significant risks from both regulatory and technological perspectives. Another critical obstacle lies in awareness and threat detection, as children often lack education on online safety, and parents may also not have the necessary knowledge to effectively guide their children in navigating the digital world.

Hang Lee, Senior Public Affairs Manager APAC, Kaspersky, acknowledged the unique vulnerabilities children face online. He highlighted factors such as the online disinhibition effect, anonymity, and lack of accountability, which foster an environment where harmful behaviors can flourish. Unlike physical spaces designed with children’s safety in mind, the digital realm often lacks tailored protection for young users. In response, Kaspersky has been actively empowering parents with tools to safeguard their children. One such initiative is the parental control program “Safe Kids” which helps families navigate the complexities of online safety.

Following the speakers’ statements, the discussion brought to light important issues in children’s cybersecurity, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence. The growing problem of deepfakes, which are becoming easier to create and present significant risks, was a key concern, along with the issue of apps secretly collecting data without users’ awareness. Participants stressed the need for specific, structured cybersecurity education in school curricula to better prepare individuals for these challenges. Addressing these issues across various levels – technology, software, and content – cannot fall to a single stakeholder or be confined to one country; instead, a collaborative dialog across borders is essential to develop effective strategies and solutions.

The debate also focused on the critical literacy gap at both societal and regulatory levels. It highlighted the need for clear “no-go” zones online, increased funding for research, and more precise definitions of online crimes. Collaboration toward a common goal was deemed crucial. While the idea of banning certain technologies was discussed, the consensus leaned toward transparency, trust-building and education as the more effective solutions, recognizing that these technologies are here to stay and set the pace. Importantly, children themselves should be involved in the conversation, as their unique perspectives could offer valuable insights that adults may overlook.

At the end of the session, the initial survey was conducted again, and the responses revealed a shift in perspective. Now, 19 % of respondents believed that the threat situation for children would worsen. The percentage of those who thought that, despite higher threat levels, children’s awareness and knowledge would increase dropped to 24 %. Meanwhile, 48 % felt that there was an opportunity for better knowledge and stronger defense skills to guide children. Only 10 % of respondents had no opinion.